A gold Premier League sleeve badge means the club is the reigning champion. It is worn in the season after winning the title, so Arsenal wear it in 2026/27 as the 2025/26 champions.
What the gold badge shows
The Premier League says the gold badge has been used since 2015/16. The league champions wear it in the season in which they defend their title, so it serves as a visual marker of champion status on the shirt.
That is the key difference from the standard sleeve badge. The standard badge is part of the league kit setup for every club, while the gold version is reserved for the reigning champions only.
Standard sleeve badge vs gold champions' badge
| Badge | Who wears it | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Premier League logo | All 20 clubs | Right sleeve of home and alternative shirts; left sleeve too if there is no sponsor's logo there |
| Gold Premier League badge | The reigning champions, in the season they defend the title | Sleeves |
Under Rule M.15 in the 2026/27 Premier League handbook, the league logo appears on the right sleeve of every club's home and alternative shirts. For 2026/27, the sleeve version also includes the “No Room For Racism” logo beneath the main league logo.
That is why seeing a Premier League sleeve mark does not by itself identify the champions. The gold badge is the part that signals title-holder status.
Who wears it in 2026/27
| Season | Club wearing the gold badge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Liverpool | They were the 2024/25 Premier League champions |
| 2026/27 | Arsenal | They were the 2025/26 Premier League champions |
The Premier League confirmed in May 2026 that Arsenal would wear the gold badge for the first time. The same report said the club shop was already selling the next season's kit with it.
Liverpool were the previous wearers. The league also showed captain Virgil van Dijk in the gold-badge shirt.
What champions get besides the badge
- The Premier League Trophy
- 40 winners' medals
- A place in the next season's UEFA Champions League
- A place in the FA Community Shield
The gold badge is the most visible shirt detail, but it is only one part of the champion's package. The sporting rewards and the trophy remain the main prizes.
FAQ
When did Premier League champions start wearing a gold badge?
The league says the gold champions' badge has been in use since 2015/16. It is worn in the following season, not added partway through the title-winning one.
What is on the Premier League sleeve badge?
For 2026/27, the league logo appears on the sleeve, with the “No Room For Racism” logo beneath the main mark. Placement is set by the league's kit rules rather than by club choice.
How many clubs have won the Premier League?
7 clubs have won it. They are Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City.
Can any club use the gold badge?
No. The standard league badge is part of the shirt requirements for all clubs, but the gold version is limited to the reigning champions during their title-defence season.